After one season with the New England Patriots, Martellus Bennett is moving to Green Bay
The veteran tight end is set to sign a three-year, $21 million deal with the Green Bay Packers according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, citing sources. Bennett’s new contract reportedly does not contain any incentives.
Wow. Martellus Bennett to the Packers.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2017
The #Packers signed 30-year-old TE Martellus Bennett to a 3-year deal for $21M, source said. No incentives. They didn't get there for Cook
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2017
Martellus Bennett To Sign Three-Year Deal With Green Bay Packers
Bennett was arguably the most high-profile free agent at his position of the 2017 off-season. This after a successful season with the New England Patriots after getting acquired via trade with the Chicago Bears last year.
The nine-year pro finished with 701 receiving yards in the regular season along with a career high seven touchdown catches. That total was tied for the second best total in the NFL among tight ends. Three of them came in a 33-13 win over the Cleveland Browns in week five.
Expectations were for him to be another big body for Tom Brady to throw to along with Rob Gronkowski. But Gronk was oft-injured, playing just eight games and getting put on injured reserve on December 3rd after back surgery, ending his season. Bennett picked up the slack in his absence.
Three of his touchdown grabs came in the final four games of the year. And he proved a reliable target in the playoffs despite not scoring, Super Bowl LI included. Bennett caught five passes for 62 yards in New England’s historic come from behind 34-28 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Bennett played collegiately at Texas A&M before the Dallas Cowboys picked him the second round (61st overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played the entirety of his original rookie contract in Big D before signing a one-year deal with the Giants in 2012. The following season, he signed with the Bears for four years. New England picked up the final year of his contract in the trade that sent him to Foxborough.
Heading into his tenth NFL season, Bennett’s 30 touchdown receptions ranks tenth among active tight ends.
